Hagel open to review of military's transgender ban

May 11, 2014
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Chuck Hagel / Associated Press

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

by David Jackson, USA TODAY

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Sunday he is open to a review of the military's ban on transgender individuals.

"I'm open to those assessments, because -- again, I go back to the bottom line -- every qualified American who wants to serve our country should have an opportunity if they fit the qualifications and can do it," Hagel said on ABC's This Week.

Calls to lift the transgender ban have come in the wake of the 2010 repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" ban on gay and lesbian service members.